Jackie + James Engaged! | Ashford Lodge Engagement

There’s something magical about getting engaged in the great outdoors where the air is crisp, the trees stand tall like nature’s cathedral, and love feels a little wilder, a little freer. And if you ask me (which you kind of are if you’re reading this!), there’s no better place for getting engaged than the tiny mountain town of Ashford, just outside the Longmire entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.

Now, I might be a little biased because Jake and I absolutely adore this pocket of the PNW. It’s quiet, cozy, and perfectly rugged… like a Hallmark movie meets REI. You’ve got a single gas station, a few charming shops, and about three food stops (one of which serves muffin tops that are quite literally worth the drive). If you’re looking for a unique, peaceful, and nature-infused place to pop the question, Ashford is your spot. And Jackie + James’ engagement session at Ashford Lodge? Pure, campfire-lit magic.

Why Ashford is the Best Place to get Engaged

We first met Jackie and her adorable new baby at the Puyallup Wedding Show. Right away, she had that spark in her eye that said, We’re not doing a boring ballroom wedding. (My kinda bride!) When she shared her vision of a campground wedding with bonfires, s’mores, and laid-back summer camp vibes, I immediately hoped she’d choose us to capture it. Spoiler alert: she did and I squealed.

This dream session took place at the Ashford Lodge, a hidden gem I’d somehow never noticed despite driving past it dozens of times. (Mom brain? Photographer tunnel vision? Who knows.) It sits right next to Whitaker’s Bunkhouse but trust me they’re separate spots. The Lodge is giving off all the cozy-cabin-meets-vintage-trailer goodness, with rustic touches that make your photographer’s heart skip a beat.

So, if you’re thinking about popping the question at your favorite campground, here are a few pro tips to help you plan the perfect mountaintop moment:

Tips for Getting Engaged at Your Favorite Campground

1. Scout Your Location in Advance
   You don’t need a five-star resort to make a five-star memory, but a little prep goes a long way. Check out the views, lighting, and accessibility of your spot. Hosting during early morning or the golden hour is dreamy for photos, and make sure there’s a solid Plan B in case the PNW gets moody (a.k.a. rain).
2. Pack a Surprise Picnic or Hot Drink
   Nothing says romance like getting engaged with a thermos of hot cocoa and a cozy blanket under the trees. Bonus points if you sneak in a mini charcuterie board or your partner’s favorite snack. It adds a thoughtful, personal touch that feels way more “you” than a fancy dinner ever could.
3. Make It a Weekend to Remember
   Turn your proposal into a mini getaway! Book a night or two at a nearby lodge or campsite (like Ashford Lodge!) to soak up the just-engaged glow. Plus, you’ll have built-in downtime to call family, post the ring selfie, and start dreaming up wedding plans around the firepit.
4. Hire a Photographer
   Okay, shameless plug time. But seriously if you want the moment captured, consider hiring your photographer to blend into the background. Or better yet, plan an adventure session and pop the question while you’re there.

Ashford Lodge: The Ultimate Hideaway

Back to Jackie + James because their engagement session deserves all the hype. From the second we arrived at Ashford Lodge; I could see their wedding coming to life. The vintage trailers (Darla the trailer totally has her own personality), the cabin rooms, the mix of woodsy charm and thoughtful details all blended perfectly with Jackie’s “campground chic” vision.

We strolled the property, swapped wedding ideas, and styled two outfit looks: one cozy and casual, the other a little dressier for variety. Spoiler alert: I adored the dressy one. There’s something extra special about wearing a dress in the woods making it feel like a fairytale in hiking boots.

Little Mr. R got some quality Emi time (our resident baby whisperer), which gave these two lovebirds a chance to truly connect. And let me tell you watching James go from reserved to playful by the end of the session? All the YES! These two are so smitten with each other, and their joy is contagious.

The Countdown to Campground “I Do’s”

Jackie + James are planning a full wedding weekend, with guests arriving Friday and the party going straight through to Sunday. It’s going to be bonfires, belly laughs, and lots of barefoot dancing under the stars. I can already see the glow of the string lights and the flicker of fire reflecting in happy eyes. It’s the kind of celebration where you wake up smelling like campfire and memories and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Jackie + James, we are SO honored to be your photographers. Your Ashford Lodge engagement session was everything we love about photographing adventurous couples in love: full of heart, laughter, and that feeling of “we found our people.” Your wedding is going to be the kind of weekend your grandkids will want to hear about again and again.

And to all the couples reading this thinking, maybe a campground engagement is our vibe, rest assured it is! Say yes by the lake. Pop the question under the pines. Let the mountains witness your moment. It’ll be wild, it’ll be imperfect, and it’ll be completely, utterly, beautifully you.

Thinking of getting engaged in the PNW? I’ve got hot cocoa, bug spray, and a camera packed and ready.
Let’s make some magic: www.markiejonesweddings.com | Instagram: @markiejonesphotographyllc | Facebook: facebook.com/mjpllc